Drugs

Question 1

Digoxin

Answer 1

IV/PO
Increases strength and efficiency of heart contractions. cardiac glycoside.
250-500mcg
36-48hours
SE: N+V, dizzy, diarrhoea, vision changes.

Question 2

Quinapril

Answer 2

PO
ACE inhibitor, lowers BP by inhibiting angiotensin II, enlarges arteries
5-20mg
2 hours
SE: Cough, dizziness + fatigue

Question 3

Frusemide

Answer 3

PO/IV/IM
Loop diuretic
20-80mg
Frusemide inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- co-transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney.
SE: Electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hypotension and renal dysfunction.

Question 4

Vancomycin

Answer 4

IV
Anti-bi
Inhibits proper cell wall synthesis in gram-positive bacteria.
500mg
4-6hrs
SE: local pain, phlebitis etc
VERY RARE: red man syndrome, anaphylaxis, neutropenia, dizzy.

Question 5

Oxycodone

Answer 5

PO
Opioid agonist, binds to mu, delta and kappa receptors
5-20mg
3 hrs
SE: N+V, drowsy, vertigo.

Question 6

Noradrenaline

Answer 6

IV
Causes peripheral vasoconstriction and positive inotropic effect on heart and dilation of coronary arteries (^BP !)
4mg in 2mls in 50ml of Saline - infused to maintain MAP
Less than 5 min half life
SE: All symptoms associated with hypertension, plasma volume depletion, respiratory difficulties and bradycardia

Question 7

Piperacillin/Tazobactam

Answer 7

IV
combination antibiotic belonging to penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitors.
4.5g powder reconstituted in 20ml WFI. diluted 50ml NS.
0.7-1.2hrs Half-life.
SE: Diarrhoea, rash, N+V, insomnia, anaphylaxis.

Question 8

Pregabalin

Answer 8

PO
25-75mg
6.3hrs half-life
Antagonist of voltage gated Ca2+ channels.
Anticonvulsant, analgesic effects
SE: Dizzy, constipation, feeling tired or drowsy, diarrhoea, headache, increase in weight

Question 9

Adrenaline

Answer 9

IV/IM
Binds to adrenergic receptors. Is a non-selective agonist of all adrenergic receptors. Reduces peripheral circulation therefore increasing coronary and cerebral perfusion pressures.
1mg/10ml
Alpha/beta adrenergic agonists
Half-life: 2-3mins
SE: nausea, headache, anxiety, sweat.

Question 10

Amiodorone

Answer 10

IV ONLY for VT/VF
class 3 anti-arrhythmic medication.
Prolongs duration of action potential for all cardiac fibres. Increases cardiac refractory period.
300mg IV
3-7hrs half life
SE: Cough, dizzy, trouble walking, tremors

Question 11

Heparin

Answer 11

IV/SC
Anti-coagulant
Heparin enhances the activity of antithrombin III, a natural inhibitor of blood clotting.
5,000units IV - adjusted based on apTT.
1-4hours
SE: Alopecia, osteoperosis, bleeding.

Question 12

Dabigatran

Answer 12

Route = PO
Class = Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet
Schedule = ?
Action = inhibits conversion by thrombin of fibrinogen to fibrin, impairing clotting process and acting as anticoagulant.
Dosage = 110mg often following surgery,
Halflife = 12-17 hours
Common SE = indigestion, headache and nausea

Question 13

rivaroxaban

Answer 13

Route = PO
Class = Anticoag / platelets
Schedule = ?
Action = inhibits factor XA, both pathways of blood coagulation cascade
Dosage = 10-20mg
Halflife = 5-9 hours
Common SE = Back pain, headache, bloody stools.

Question 14

salbutamol

Answer 14

Route = Nebuliser (inhale) (puffer)
Class = Bronchodilator
Schedule = 4
Action = Short acting beta 2 adrenoreceptor
Dosage = 2.5-5mg every 4-6hrs
halflife = 2.7-5hrs
Common SE = Vomiting / Nausea / Tachycardia/ Insomnia

Question 15

Ipratropium

Answer 15

Route = Inhale
Class = Bronchodilator
Schedule = 4
Action = Inhibits cholinergic bronchomotor tone, allows bronchodilation
Dosage = 200-500mcg every 4-6 hours
halflife = 3.5hrs
Common SE = Headache / Nausea / Tachycardia / Dry mouth

Question 16

Fent !

Answer 16

IV/IM
Opioid analgesic binds to MU combined to g-proteins.
50-100micrograms (1-2ml)
3.7hrs half life
SE: Resp dep, apnoea, muscular rigid, bradycardia